The Wisconsin Agri-Business Association believes in the future of Wisconsin agriculture and its unlimited potential. One major reason for this is because of the outstanding young people we have entering our industry. To show support to our youth and our future, WABA is very proud to invest $19,000 in college scholarships this year. Scholarship donations will be given to worthy agriculture student at each of the following colleges:

UW-Madison $2,500, UW-Platteville $2,500, UW-River Falls $2,500, UW-Stevens Point $2,500, Chippewa Valley Technical College $1,000, Fox Valley Technical College $1,000, Northcentral Technical College $1,000, Southwest WI Technical College $1,000, and Western WI Technical College $1,000. The selection process for these recipients is conducted within each of the schools, by designated staff that know the student's worthiness and need. Some of the schools may decide to present the entire amount in the form of one scholarship. Others may decide to divide it into two or more scholarships. Their top candidate's resumes are submitted to the WABA Scholarship Committee for final approval. Recipients of all WABA scholarships are recognized at the Wisconsin Crop Management Conference at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison in January.

In addition, four $1,000 scholarships are given to FFA students through WABA donations to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. Recipient selections are made by FFA staff and representatives of those businesses providing the scholarships. WABA fills one spot on that selection committee that helps to choose all of the scholarship recipients. WABA scholarship recipients through the Wisconsin FFA Foundation are also recognized at the Wisconsin Crop Management Conference at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison in January.

Funds for the WABA Scholarship Program are raised in various ways including: three golf outings, a trap shoot, a bowling tournament, and a silent auction. Each year, the WABA membership is very eager to support the scholarship program. So the total WABA scholarship offering for 2014-15 is $19,000. We are very excited about the future of Wisconsin Agriculture, and we are proud to invest in our future through this outstanding scholarship program.